Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a modern cancer treatment method designed specifically to treat tumors in the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), an area that protects vital organs such as the liver, stomach, and intestines. During this procedure, surgeons first remove all visible tumors, then circulate a heated chemotherapy solution into the abdominal cavity. The combination of high temperature and direct exposure to chemotherapy drugs helps destroy any remaining microscopic cancer cells that might still be present after surgery.
HIPEC is commonly used for cancers that have metastasized (spread) from other organs to the peritoneum, one of which is advanced-stage ovarian cancer.
RS Mandaya Royal Puri is the first and only hospital in Indonesia to offer HIPEC chemotherapy — a cutting-edge cancer treatment technology previously available only at leading cancer centers in Singapore and Malaysia.
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How is the HIPEC Procedure Performed?
The HIPEC procedure involves two main stages performed sequentially in a single surgery session:
1. Cytoreductive Surgery
The first stage focuses on removing as much visible tumor tissue as possible from the abdominal cavity. While the patient is under general anesthesia, the surgeon opens the abdomen to evaluate the cancer spread and excise infected tissues. The main goal of this stage is to minimize the tumor burden before administering heated chemotherapy.
2. HIPEC Chemotherapy Stage
Once all visible tumors have been removed, the surgeon proceeds to the heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy stage.mA special catheter is inserted into the abdominal cavity and connected to a perfusion machine that warms the chemotherapy drugs to around 40–50°C. The heated solution is then circulated evenly for about 1–2 hours to destroy any remaining microscopic cancer cells.
After the process is complete, the chemotherapy fluid is drained and the abdominal cavity is rinsed with sterile saline before the surgical incision is closed.
What Are the Advantages of HIPEC for Ovarian Cancer That Has Spread to the Abdominal Cavity?
Here are some key advantages of HIPEC compared to conventional chemotherapy:
1. Targets Areas Beyond the Reach of Systemic Chemotherapy
Traditional chemotherapy, administered through the bloodstream, circulates only within the vascular system and cannot penetrate the peritoneal layer — the protective membrane in the abdomen.
HIPEC bypasses this limitation by delivering heated chemotherapy directly into the peritoneum, effectively reaching cancer cells inaccessible to systemic treatment.
2. Direct and Precise Cancer Cell Destruction
HIPEC delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to the area affected by cancer, allowing for more accurate targeting. This procedure effectively destroys microscopic cancer cells that may not be visible during surgery, reducing the likelihood of recurrence after treatment.
3. High-Dose, Heat-Enhanced Effectiveness
During HIPEC, chemotherapy drugs are heated to 40–50°C before circulation. The elevated temperature enhances the drugs’ ability to penetrate tumor tissues and increases their potency in destroying cancer cells — all without raising the risk of systemic side effects.
4. One-Time Treatment
Unlike systemic chemotherapy, which requires multiple treatment cycles, HIPEC is performed only once during the surgical procedure. After tumor removal, the heated chemotherapy is circulated for about 30–90 minutes, making the treatment more efficient and practical.
5. Fewer Side Effects Compared to Conventional Chemotherapy
Because HIPEC acts locally within the abdominal cavity and is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream, common side effects of systemic chemotherapy — such as severe nausea, hair loss, or organ damage — are significantly reduced. This allows for a faster and more comfortable recovery.
6. An Innovative Solution for Advanced Cancer
HIPEC represents a major breakthrough for patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer that has spread to the abdomen. By effectively reaching difficult areas and directly targeting cancer cells, HIPEC offers higher survival rates and lower recurrence risks.
Doctors at RS Mandaya Royal Puri Who Perform HIPEC Procedures for Ovarian Cancer
HIPEC chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer that has spread to the abdominal cavity is performed by obstetricians and gynecologists with subspecialties in oncology at RS Mandaya Royal Puri, namely:
1. dr. Ong Tjandra, M.Kes, Sp.OG (K), Subsp. Onk
Dr. Ong Tjandra, M.Kes, Sp.OG (K), Subsp. Onk is a gynecologic oncologist with expertise in treating various types of reproductive system cancers, including advanced-stage ovarian cancer that has spread to the abdominal cavity.
He has extensive experience performing gynecologic oncology surgeries such as tumor and cancer tissue removal, as well as minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures for myoma, cyst, and hysterectomy surgeries.
With his advanced surgical knowledge and precision, Dr. Ong is one of the lead doctors performing HIPEC chemotherapy procedures at RS Mandaya Royal Puri. He collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to deliver optimal treatment outcomes for advanced ovarian cancer patients.
Schedule:
- Monday: 10.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Thursday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
2. Dr. dr. Unedo Hence Markus Sihombing, Sp.OG, Subsp. Onk
Dr. Unedo Hence Markus Sihombing, Sp.OG, Subsp. Onk is a gynecologic oncologist practicing at RS Mandaya Royal Puri. He earned his medical degree from Sriwijaya University, completed his specialization in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sebelas Maret University, and obtained his Consultant in Gynecologic Oncology and Doctorate from the University of Indonesia.
Dr. Unedo specializes in treating gynecologic oncology cases, including ovarian, uterine, vulvar, and vaginal cancers, as well as benign tumors such as myomas and uterine polyps.
He is also part of the medical team that performs the HIPEC procedure at RS Mandaya Royal Puri, focusing on advanced metastatic ovarian cancer cases with a precision surgery and heated chemotherapy approach.
Schedule:
- Tuesday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Thursday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Saturday: 13.00 – 16.00 WIB
If you would like to learn more about HIPEC chemotherapy for ovarian cancer that has spread to the abdominal cavity, don’t hesitate to visit RS Mandaya Royal Puri.
To make your visit easier, you can use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter App, available on Google Play and the App Store, to check queue numbers, schedule appointments, and access complete hospital information conveniently.
